was grant hill a first ballot hall of famer
The two-time AL MVP Award winner would remain there for two decades, playing shortstop and center field for the Brewers. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Robin YountClass of 1999Yount spent only a few months in the Minors before reaching the big leagues as a teenager. And then Michael Jackson, who went to Georgetown, he went to my local high school and lived a couple streets down from me, so I started watching him when he was in high school. What if rather than evolving into an effective role player and extending his career into his 40s post injury, Hill had simply walked away? Metrics like Box Plus-Minus and Value Over Replacement Player also allude to Hill having a similar peak impact as Bryant with Hills career best in each of those superior to Bryant. Duke was the team you loved to hate, but Hill was a special talent who you just knew would be an even better pro than he was college baller. I think when I was in the midst of it, fighting the injuries in Orlando and then went to Phoenix, youre just so caught up in the moment and looking forward. Willie StargellClass of 1988Stargell spent his entire 21-year career in Pittsburgh, topping 20 homers in 13 straight seasons and winning a pair of home run crowns after the Pirates moved to Three Rivers Stadium in 1971. LOS ANGELES - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today, at NBA All-StarWeekend, eight phenomenal players, three standout coaches, one exceptional referee, and one record-setting team as finalists from the North American and Womens committees to be considered for election in 2018. Pistons Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas sees the comparison as well and said as much back when Hill was announced as one of the members of the Class of 2018. The second reform to Hall of Fame eligibility requires coaches to have coached for 25 years and reached the minimum age of 60. Hill: Its crazy. MC5, a six-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee, revs up for first album in 51 years and new tour Guitarist Wayne Kramer, who leads the new edition of the band, likens its mission to Paul Reveres. Jim ThomeClass of 2018The blue-collar slugger from Peoria, Ill., was drafted in the 13th round by Cleveland in 1989 and went on to headline an era defined by power with 612 home runs, the eighth-most all-time. Carl YastrzemskiClass of 1989A young Yastrzemski had huge shoes to fill, stepping into left field as a 21-year-old rookie the season after Ted Williams' retirement. The Suns, needing depth, Hill needing a change of scenery, and Phoenix with the widely-believed best training staff in the NBA, was the perfect destination, and thus the third chapter of his career began. Unfortunately he never again made it out of the first round, and only made one more playoff appearance, one game with the Los Angeles Clipper in 2013. Elected to the Duke University Board of Trustees in 2021, Hillserves on the Undergraduate Education Committee. With a variety of college and professional experiences, both on and off the court, Grant was named Managing Director of the USA Basketball Mens National Team in 2021. His crossover wasnt like Allen Iversons, but for a 6-8 guy, it was like Iversons.. Hills best season came at the age of 24. I remember being hurt. The only other player under 25 to finish in the top 10 was Shaquille ONeal, positioning Hill to ride the post-Jordan wave on the horizon. Grant Hill is in the Hall of Fame because of the Phoenix Suns. The hoop dream was there, but it seems like its gotten bigger, if that makes sense, in the years since you were a McDonalds All-American and going along on your journey? Brooks RobinsonClass of 1983Robinson won an AL MVP Award in 1964 and was an 18-time All-Star, but was best known for setting the defensive standard at third base, where he became known as "The Human Vacuum Cleaner" and won 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards. He was a stellar role player, great in every locker room he set foot in and one of the leagues best ambassadors off the court. Bob FellerClass of 1962Feller blew away Major League hitters starting at the young age of 17, threw a no-hitter and tallied three 20-win seasons and a Triple Crown before giving up nearly four years of his prime to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. It was too painful, both physically and emotionally, for Grant Hill to go over all of the scenarios in his mind while trying to heal his body. Hill also served as his teams primary scorer, leading the Pistons in each of his first six seasons while topping out at 25.8 points per game his final season in Detroit. At least thats what I convinced myself of immediately after I retired. And thats something that, if Im being honest with myself, it really, really bothered me. Ivan RodriguezClass of 2017"Pudge," as he became iconically known, was a 14-time All-Star and 13-time Gold Glove Award winner, both benchmarks for catchers in MLB history. That's not to mention his stellar defense as a backstop, for which he won 10 Gold Glove Awards. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Now Im not just one of the top young players in the D.C. area, you know the DMV, but Im holding my own and putting up numbers with the best high school players in the DMV and around the country. Rod CarewClass of 1991Carew split his 19-year career between the Angels and Twins -- both of which have retired his No. Herrin native Steve Fisher up for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame By Associated Press updated: 12/22/2017 2:39 PM Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, fellow star point guard Jason Kidd, Grant Hill and Ray Allen are among six first-year candidates for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Hill was instrumental in replacing Shawn Marion after Marion was traded for Shaquille ONeal, and a key figure in Phoenixs surprising run to the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Ive tended to focus on the struggle. Dennis EckersleyClass of 2004Eckersley is one of just three relievers in MLB history to win the MVP Award -- and he did so in his 18th season after transitioning from a starting role over his first 12 seasons. As you might guess, big name offensive superstars get more attention than other positions. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. With a resume that extends far beyond simply the NBA, Hills Hall of Fame candidacy was never in question. Hill signed a two-year $3.8 million deal with Phoenix, pennies on the proverbial dollar compared to what he was earning as a former superstar with Orlando. After injuries forced him to the bullpen midway through his career, the 1996 NL Cy Young Award winner -- who twice led the NL in innings pitched -- went on to wow as Atlanta's closer for three and a half seasons, setting an NL record with 55 saves in 2002. NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 28: Steve Nash #13 and Grant Hill #33 of the Phoenix Suns stay focused during the game against the New Jersey Nets on October 31, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Jones, who spent his entire 19-year career in Atlanta, was the cornerstone player in its run to a record 14 straight division titles. He was able to see it through. The Honors Committee now has the challenging task of selecting this years Enshrinees, which we look forward to announcing at the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio.. He was enshrined to the Hall with a 98.5 percent vote. The 1977 AL MVP Award winner was a seven-time batting champion. Babe RuthClass of 1936The Bambino's powerful left-handed swing and 714 homers ushered baseball out of the Dead Ball Era, and the former ace pitcher and home run king's larger-than-life persona transcended the limits of the baseball field and cemented his place not only in baseball lore, but also in American legend. He spoke with NBA.com about his journey from the Washington D.C. suburbs to his college and pro days and now Springfield, where the Hall of Fame class will be enshrined Sept. 7: NBA.com: Do you look back at your basketball life, from high school to Duke to the NBA and nearly two decades in the league, and feel like it went by in a flash? NBA.com: Well, lets go back to that time, before you hit high school and the varsity. We took Hills career through the 1999-00 season, crunched the numbers and found that Hill graded out with a 51% chance of making the Hall of Fame. Thome is one of just three hitters -- along with Barry Bonds and Babe Ruth -- to have amassed at least 600 home runs and 1,500 walks in his career. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. I remember the end. Johnny BenchClass of 1989Bench anchored Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" of the 1970s behind the plate en route to back-to-back World Series titles, winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award in '68 and a pair of NL MVP Awards in '70 and '72 after leading the Senior Circuit in homers both years. Mike SchmidtClass of 1995Schmidt excelled with both his bat -- he led the NL in home runs eight times -- and his glove -- he won 10 Gold Glove Awards -- during his Hall of Fame career. I was just getting ready to come into the league and youre coming off your college stuff, and it just doesnt seem like college was 20 years ago or whatever it was. Tom SeaverClass of 1992Seaver played 20 seasons in the big leagues, with his most notable turn coming with the Mets from 1967-77, during which he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award, three Cy Young Awards and a World Series title ('69). If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images). He played super defense, hit for power and average and played every day. Previous finalists included again this year for consideration are four-time NBA All-StarMaurice Cheeks, the only coach in NCAA history to be named Conference Coach of the Year in four different conferencesCharles Lefty Driesell, 28-year NBA refereeHugh Evans, two-time NCAA National Championship Coach of BaylorKim Mulkey, two-time NBA Champion coachRudy Tomjanovich, five-time NBA All-StarChris Webberand 10-time AAU National ChampionsWayland Baptist University. Grant Hill and Jason Kidd are two players that were included in the 2018 Hall of Fame class that can easily be compared to Love resume-wise. My ballot will simply read, Grant Hill - What couldve been. One of the most accomplished NBA and college players of his generation, Grant Hill was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a first-ballot member of the 2018 class. If Penny and Grant dont get hurt, those are the two guys back in their day that everyone wants to play like.. Its like where did the time go. He only enjoyed rare flashes of the elite athleticism that marked his early years and retired on June 1, 2013. Athletics Where that comparison falls short comes when realizing that James ranks fourth in all-time scoring average and poured in over 27 a night by just his second season. But I played varsity and spending that year on the varsity and that experience gave me a big boost of confidence. Kirby PuckettClass of 2001A favorite among his teammates for his personality and play, Puckett truly made the most of his injury-shortened Major League career. What if instead of Magic and Michael, we looked to Grant Hill, a 68 wing with point guard skills that could also go and get his. But perhaps his most prominent milestone was helping the Red Sox snap the 86-year Curse of the Bambino with their World Series title in 2004. He was a stellar role player, great in every locker room he set foot in and one of the leagues best ambassadors off the court. After missing 65.3% of possible games with the Orlando Magic, in his five full seasons in Phoenix, Hill missed only 8.8% (35 games), and even tied for the league-lead in games played (82), in 2008-09, only the second time in his career he appeared in every game in a season, the first being the 1998-99 lockout shortened year (50 games). NBA.com: So like all good, obedient children, you chose Duke? The six-time All-Star has since been topped in steals by only Rickey Henderson. Things like All-Star selections, championships and league-wide finishes on various stat leaderboards all factor into the equation. Having made the playoffs six times prior (four with Detroit and one with both Orlando and Phoenix), 2010 was the only opportunity Hill ever had to perform both in the Semifinals and Conference Finals in his career. Ken Griffey Jr.Class of 2016As the son of a successful 19-year big leaguer, the No. Kevon Looney's historically elite rebounding provided separation in a winner-take-all Game 7. Enshrinees from the Direct Elect Committees are also recognized at the NCAA Mens Final Four and include Early African-American Pioneers, International, Contributors and Veterans. In order to fully appreciate his transcendent talent and ahead of his official enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame, lets examine Hills prime relative to some of the games biggest stars. The son of former NFL Pro Bowl running back Calvin Hill and Janet Hill, Grant Hill insists hes best known to the new generation of basketball fans for his work as an analyst for Turner Sports NBA and March Madness coverage. Seaver's 98.8 percent Hall vote is the highest for a starting pitcher. Honus WagnerClass of 1936Considered by many to be the greatest shortstop in baseball history, Wagner won eight batting titles in his 21-year career, primarily for his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates, and was not only one of the best hitters and baserunners of the era, but also an able defender at virtually every position. Not just overall accomplishment, but also simply ability. WebHill played college ball at Duke University where he was the NABC Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 as well as a Second Team All-America that same year, and a unanimous Shortly after he entered the NBA in 1994, Grant established Hill Ventures, a private company through which he has successfully invested in commercial real estate ventures including several multi-family complexes and other commercial real estate in Florida, Arizona, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. Grant is a featured speaker before business, academic and large sales audiences addressing a range of topics including the NBA, the importance of teamwork, the private equity business, art, music and contemporary culture. Cal Ripken Jr.Class of 2007Ripken was revered as the bridge between the schools of old and new. The complete list of nine finalists from the North American Screening Committee includes: players Ray Allen, Maurice Cheeks, Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash and Chris Webber; coaches Charles Lefty Driesell and Rudy Tomjanovich; and referee Hugh Evans. John SmoltzClass of 2015Smoltz became arguably his era's most versatile pitcher. Hill: Its funny you say that. I dont know, Hill recently told Sekou Smith of NBA.com. It doesnt seem like I just started playing varsity at [South Lakes High in Reston, Va.] over 30 years ago. Christy MathewsonClass of 1936The two-time Triple Crown winner and his famous "fadeaway" screwball baffled hitters throughout a 17-year career that set the standard for pitching excellence, during which he won at least 30 games four times and collected 373 career wins -- still the NL record in the Modern Era. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Offensive guard Jim Parker was taken with the eighth overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, and 16 years later Parker was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. WebAdd his 3,674 yards rushing to his stunning passing totals and you have 50,677 yards almost 29 miles or 500 football fields of offensive progression. 3 draft pick of the 1961 Vikings. "When you talk about 6-8 guys with a handle, we see a lot of those guys now, but Grant Hill was the first guy who came into the NBA that I remember being 6-8 with a killer crossover We see a lot of young players like that these days, guys who see LeBron James andKevin Durantas the players they want to model their games after, the guys they want to play like. Copyright 2020-2023 FutureFootballLegends.com. Ozzie SmithClass of 2002Smith's acrobatics at shortstop made him arguably the greatest at the position that requires such skill. The promise and optimism that surrounded Hill when he arrived in the league 14-years ago is gone, and even if he does win a NBA title this season, Grant will come up just short of a Hall of Fame career. With Jimmy Butler hobbled late by an ankle injury, Miami gets big performances from Kyle Lowry and Kevin Love to take the series opener in New York. When you talk about 6-8 guys with a handle, we see a lot of those guys now, but Grant Hill was the first guy who came into the NBA that I remember being 6-8 with a killer crossover. Pedro MartinezClass of 2015If it wasn't Johnson, then Martinez was the most dominating pitcher of their era. That validated the journey for me. Just the Quarterback and Running Back positions account for 35% of First Ballot inductees. Hill: (Laughing) Exactly. NBA.com: You were supposed to be the heir apparent to Michael Jordan. I remember the arguments when you played in Detroit, before Kobe and T-Mac and Vince Carter. But then when this all came about and I got that call (from the Hall of Fame), you realize that you might have suppressed some things. Rivera is the all-time leader in saves with 652. Looking back, that looked like a one sided deal back then, but the Pistons wound up winning a title and went to the Finals twice due to Ben Wallaces play. 01 May 2023 03:58:09 I obviously knew about the NBA but I was still just a fan. David OrtizClass of 2022There were reasons to be skeptical of Ortizs first-ballot chances, including the fact that he spent the vast majority of his career as a designated hitter. 2018 Hall of Fame: How good was Grant Hill. He won the AL MVP Award in '80 and was part of the Royals' first championship team in '85. Carrying the mantle as his teams top scorer and distributor? You just dont. But college ball certainly was on my mind and the dream was to maybe have an opportunity to play for a national championship one day in college. No other player had more than three. He only enjoyed rare flashes of the elite athleticism that marked his early years. What if rather than an All-American career at Duke which included a pair of national championships and an ACC Player of the Year award, Hill began his NBA career with a relatively blank slate in the form of Hall of Fame credentials. Players who are selected into the Hall of Fame in their first eligible year are a special group. Im in Detroit and youve got Elton Brand and Shane Battier and Corey Maggette and that whole crew and Jeff Capel, Im not that far removed in terms of my age differential from those guys. While that latter number may not seem significant on its own, its nearly identical to the career-best mark for Bryant who clocked in at .224 in 2005-06. His knee injuries had cost him the majority of the latter half of his career, and he went from a shining star, talked about as the next Magic Johnson, appearing to be a hall of famer at the outside of his career, to fading into the Miami Beach sunset, a shell of his former self. Jayson Tatums mom is a die-hard Tamia (wife, artist) fan, so its funny how I went from a contemporary to big brother to uncle to now. In fact, the only question surrounding his candidacy was whether the legendary Yankees shortstop would be a unanimous selection -- but he ultimately fell one vote shy of that distinction. Hill: Yes, then came my freshman year of high school. Johnson, the leading receiver in Detroit Lions history, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in voting that was announced Saturday at the NFL Honors show. Wir teilen auch Informationen ber Ihre Nutzung unserer Website mit unseren Social Media-, Werbe- und Analysepartnern. When the Pistons drafted him in 1994, it marked a new era in Motown, and the re-branding of a franchise. Oh, and don't forget about "The Catch.". Ortiz, the only player the BBWAA voted in this year, won't have to wait any longer to take his place in Cooperstown. Tarkenton was a No. Then, in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Reds -- in his first career postseason start -- Halladay threw a no-hitter. 19 (John Riggins), 21 (O.J. Frank ThomasClass of 2014For all of his power, "The Big Hurt" honed it with precision. Youre only focused on what do I need to do to get healthy, to add value to this team, what do I need to do to be competitive in my late 30s and into my 40s? Not that there should have been, but it's been pretty commonplace for a while to not see any. CANTON, Ohio (WJW) The one and only Joe Thomas has officially made the Pro Football Hall of Fame vote for 2023, his first year of eligibility. But immediately injuries took their toll on Hill, and after seven incredibly unsuccessful (and highly expensive) seasons with the Orlando Magic, in which he had played: 2000-01: 4 games2001-02: 142002-03: 292003-04: 02004-05: 672005-06: 212006-07: 65, it was time for Hill to move on. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Like when I finished up at Duke and went into the NBA, I was kind of like the big brother. That was the most important thing for me. But it never happened. Pujols is a lock in that respect, with his magical run late in '22 (including reaching the 700-homer mark) just the icing on the cake. But yeah, I forget sometimes, even my kids remind me. Had he happened to have played in all 574 possible games over those seven years, he would have earned an average of $162,021 per game.). And then he received a call from Phoenix Suns General Manager Steve Kerr. He is the only player in MLB history to compile seven straight seasons with at least 20 homers, 100 RBIs, 100 walks and a .300 batting average. Glavine helped kick-start the 1990s Braves dynasty as the anchor to its rotation in 1991, when the club became the first team in NL history to go from worst to first in consecutive seasons. By Evan Grant. Dave WinfieldClass of 2001Regardless of baseball, Winfield might be one of the greatest athletes ever -- he was drafted in four major sports leagues, according to Hall of Fame archives. In 2010, Halladay threw a perfect game on May 29 at the Marlins. Through individual accomplishments, and critically, elevating their teams, the players below each had a career that was deemed to be significant enough that the Selection Committee moved them to the front of the line. Mickey MantleClass of 1974The longtime center fielder set a high bar for switch-hitters, winning three AL MVP Awards, a Triple Crown and seven World Series during the Yankees' dynasty in the 1950s and '60s. And when Grant Hill came in he was basically anointed by the league, players and everyone, he was anointed to be the next face of the league, former Pistons great and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas said after Hill was announced as one of the selections for the, . When was that time or that moment for you when you realized basketball was going to be more than just a game for you? Smith helped the Cardinals win the '82 World Series title. Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird and LeBron James are the only three players in league history to eclipse those numbers after their first six seasons. 4.4 is not track speed. Nolan RyanClass of 1999Ryan played a record 27 years in the Majors, pitching for the Mets, Angels, Astros and Rangers, and he is baseball's all-time leader in no-hitters (seven) and strikeouts (5,714). Hill, a Basketball Hall of Famer and seven-time NBA All-Star, made $2.75 million in 1994, his rookie year with the Detroit Pistons. This change will take effect in 2020, allowing a grace period for coaches who are nearing Hall of Fame eligibility based on previous standards. Willie MaysClass of 1979Perhaps the greatest five-tool player in the history of baseball, the Say Hey Kid dazzled with his personality and excelled in every facet of the game, hitting 660 homers (sixth all-time), stealing 338 bases, hitting .302 for his career and playing in a record-tying 24 All-Star Games. I got to know him and follow what he was doing with his teams and his program. What made you split the middle and go with Duke? Grant managed to play in only 18 games total in his first two seasons in Orlando, and missed the entire 2003-04 season due to injury. The top 16 all-time rushers in NFL history who are Hall of Fame-eligible are already in the Hall of Fame. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. A First Ballot Hall of Famer is a player who is elected to the Hall of Fame on his first appearance on the BBWAA ballot. And hes not necessarily wrong given LeBrons penchant for racking up triple-doubles and defending multiple positions. He was an eight-time All-Star, a 1995 World Series champion, the 2008 NL batting champion and the '99 NL MVP Award winner. Steve CarltonClass of 1994Carlton, one of baseball's most decorated southpaws, won four Cy Young Awards, a pitching Triple Crown and two World Series titles.